We have quite the soft spot for the Mazda5 mini-minivan. It's a taller, more capacious version of the zippy Mazda3, and it stands totally alone in a class of Americanized small MPVs (until the Ford Grand C-Max arrives on our shores, that is). Mazda has given the 5 a healthy once-over for the 2012 model year, and the automaker has just announced that the swoopy new people-mover will be priced from $19,990 (including destination and delivery).
That sub-$20,000 price point gets you the base Sport model, which has 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, tilt/telescope steering wheel, remote keyless entry and safety features like Dynamic Stability Control and traction control. The $21,990 Touring model adds 17-inch alloys, a five-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-rung Grand Touring ($24,670) will net you a moonroof, automatic xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated leather front seats and an upgraded audio system with Sirius satellite radio.
The entire Mazda5 range is powered by the automaker's 2.5-liter inline-four (found in the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-7) that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Base Sport models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed autobox is the only transmission available on Touring and Grand Touring models.
Look for the 2012 Mazda5 to hit dealerships in January of 2011. For the full details, follow the jump for Mazda's press release.